STAYING IN THE CLASSROOM AND OUT OF THE MATERNITY WARD? THE EFFECT OF COMPULSORY SCHOOLING LAWS ON TEENAGE BIRTHS*

摘要: This article investigates whether increasing mandatory educational attainment through compulsory schooling legislation encourages women to delay childbearing. We use variation induced by changes in laws both the US and Norway estimate effect two very different institutional environments. find evidence that increased does fact reduce incidence of teenage childbearing Norway, these estimates are quite robust various specification checks. These results suggest aimed at improving outcomes may have spillover effects onto fertility decisions teenagers. Research suggests adversely affects women’s economic such as level completed schooling, labour market participation wages. 1 Given deleterious consequences, it is important understand what factors contribute this decision. know low-educated more likely a birth but imply policies increase early fertility? In particular, would (through legislation) encourage childbearing? If reduces harmful or risky behaviour, then should be considered when evaluating benefits type legislation. provides on causal using data from Norway. Having countries an interesting contrast: one country supportive teenagers who children, with extensive financial support (Norway), while other much punitive its treatment (the US). Understanding differences responses can provide useful information, not only direct also relative difference across US, there has been states over time. Changes used instruments for education contexts Acemoglu Angrist (2001), Lochner Moretti (2004) Lleras-Muney (2005). There were many minimum requirements between 1920s 1970s; we utilise entire time period